Lukewarm Christians.

Is it possible to identify a lukewarm Christian? Jesus had this to say about the church of Laodicea. Revelations 3:15-17 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: This group thought they were spiritually and financially rich, and in need of nothing. God wants us to look to him, for both our physical, and spiritual needs. Many in the body of Christ point to a person they perceive as a casual Christian, as being lukewarm. They are not on fire, for Jesus. “Look, I go to church every Sunday, bible studies on Wednesday evenings, I am praying and studying fervently, I fasted last week for two days, I am an usher, and a member of the band. I formed the group that helps preach the Gospel to the homeless. Yes I am on fire for the Lord!” This mindset is boastful, it defines a lukewarm heart. Isaiah 64:6But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. Jesus did not suffer and die on the cross, so we could point to our behavior and say, look how hot I am for you, see how on fire I am, in your service. Ephesians 2: 8-9For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

The first thing we need to keep in mind is, we should not be trying to decide who among us is hot, who is cold, and who is lukewarm. 2 Corinthians10:12For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. Only God knows our heart. A lukewarm Christian, is quite likely, the very person who is sure they are not! A lukewarm Christian may be financially well off. They could easily think, “God has blessed me financially for my faithfulness, for my generous giving of time and money.” 1 Timothy 6:5Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. Many have mistaken wealth or financial ease, as a sign of godliness, Paul instructed Timothy to withdraw himself from such, and referred to them as perverse! James 2:5Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? On the other hand, a person may be doing a great many good deeds in Jesus name, with a totally humble heart and mind. Only God knows. A lukewarm heart, is one that thinks anything “they” do, puts them right with God. We do not please God by our good works, they are fruits that come from knowing what a good and generous and wonderful God we serve. God is pleased with us, because of our faith in what our friend, and brother, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, did for us on the cross.